Gonna be a bit of action, here, too, but not much. Also, there will be a somewhat awkward and happy reunion between certain characters. I am also going to try to squeeze Quahaug in. My belated thanks to everyone who added this fic to their favorites. The first bit of the chapter will be from Frederica's perspective before returning to Serenoa's group. I will also try to squeeze in Travis, Trish and Rudolph, though they'll probably be slightly off.
I also just realized I got Jerrom's name wrong, last chapter. Oh well.
Disclaimer: Triangle Strategy was created by Square.
The Joining of Forces
Recent days bore little fruit if any, as a certain bald-headed mage noted as she wrote in the blank pages of her mother's diary, as she knew she ought to have expected, hardly many people believed it when she spoke of Centralia and the falsehoods of Hyzante's teachings. The day she left House Wolffort, she had barely had a plan in mind, much less somewhere to go where she won't be found by Hyzante.
She'd spent the first month or so in hiding, at least one of the villages in the Wolffort Demense had been kind enough to let her stay, the villagers who had traded with the Roselle Village even keeping her informed of what had transpired during the war, and the few survivors that remained of the Aesfrost army who managed to escape had informed her of what had happened to Gustadolph and Lord Svarog. She was sad to hear of her uncle's death, even more so upon hearing Svarog had been driven into madness by the loss of most of his family.
In her kindness, Frederica had also pitied Gustadolph, who was the only one of her siblings to have ever been nice to her, though he was also a ruthless and ambitious leader who would spare no thought for the weak and wouldn't have surrendered, much less listened to reason.
When Hyzante had taken over the continent, she had her hair cut off and disposed of so that no one would recognize her as a descendant of the Roselle before leaving the village to begin the difficult task of trying to counter the teachings of Hyzante. Thank goodness, Lady Alexandra had been willing to provide her a place to stay in the old Falkes demense and permit her a place to start her sect, as well as listen as she explained her quest.
As Frederica wrote in her diary on the day's events, she sat on a hilltop near the village where Lady Alexandra presided over what was formerly Lord Landroi's territory, watched over by a couple of sympathetic mercenaries, one of them a certain bowman called Rudolph Mueller who is a hunter who used to be a Salt Smuggler. Caeden and Daren were still away on their errand to the Salt Crystal Mines, she had been concerned that that particular action would attract the attention of Hyzante, but accepted that sometimes it is necessary to take risks.
Rudolph spotted a hawk flying overhead and was about to reach for his bow when he saw it begin to land"Hm?"
"A hawk rider is approaching, but why?" The other mercenary asked.
The startled nun closed her book and stood up to greet the Hawk Rider, who turned out to be a certain dark-haired archer who served as a bodyguard to a certain former king, who she heard had relinquished rule of Glenbrook to Hyzante.
Hughette, the hawk rider in question, dismounted and approached"Hello."
"Who the heck are you?" Rudolph grunted, he had joined the Sect out of the lack of anything better to do, and the fact that Hyzante incited the destruction of much of his hometown which upset him to the point where he was willing to do anything to avenge his countrymen due to Hyzante's conquest.
"I am Hughette, retainer to Roland" Hughette introduced herself to the archer before looking at the bald nun"You must be the nun who I hear is spreading the word about Centralia."
The nun was surprised to see the Hawk Rider"Its nice to see you again, Hughette."
"Pleasure to see you again as well, Frederica" Hughette stated, she had noticed that even though the nun is bald, her voice and the color of her eyes were still recognizable to her.
Frederica had mixed feelings about seeing Hughette again, for she was loyal to Roland and would surely had gone along with his plan. Still, it seems the Hawk Rider had no intention on arresting her. After a moment's pause, Frederica asked"What brings you here?"
"Lord Serenoa sent me to find you" The Hawk Rider replied"Geela and Anna have also been scouting for you at his request."
"Why? You know that he allowed me to leave after I expressed my disagreement with Roland's plan" Frederica asked, curious.
Hughette nodded"I am fully aware of that, the reason he sent me to find you is because he wishes to help you free your people and overthrow Hyzante's teachings. Most likely, your Sect will be taken under his protection as we work together. He was appointed as Consul of Glenbrook."
Frederica felt a mix of concern, surprise and happiness at the news"So, even now, his kindness shines through. But does he know how big of a risk he is taking? He should not have felt the need to put himself in danger of becoming known as a heretic and possibly executed."
"He is aware of the potential consequences" Hughette replied, calmly"But everyone who voted to help the Sect is aware of the risks, including myself."
Rudolph and the other mercenary looked at each other, surprised at the news as much as their leader is. The blond archer addressed Hughette after a moment's silence"I heard of House Wolffort, but to think that they'd be this reckless" he snorted"Well, if Lady Aesfrost is willing to accept his help, I don't have any complaints."
Frederica looked at Hughette, thoughtfully after taking a few seconds to process what she heard"His help would certainly be welcome, but could you tell him that we will meet in the manor where I am staying? Preferably after Lady Alexandra comes back from her meeting with Lord Aden, the current head of the former Telliore Demense, tomorrow morning. She was placed in charge of this region and is sympathetic to my cause. That way, it won't look very suspicious."
"You would have it look like a meeting between the Consul and the current Lady of this Demense, then?" Hughette asked"A good idea. I will pass him the message." She got back onto her hawk to fly on back to Whiteholm to send messages to Anna, Geela and Serenoa to let them know Frederica has been found.
Serenoa and his group had meanwhile returned to the Capital to wait for Anna, Geela and Hughette. Jerrom and the Roselians that Serenoa had released from the mines opted to return to the Roselle village to stay with Narve, Ezana and Corentin so as not to attract unwanted attention at Whiteholm until they are ready to make preparations for a possible civil war with the rest of the Saintly Seven, since Hyzante's teachings had been spread at the former Glenbrook Capital, which included the lie about the Roselians' ancestors having stolen the salt crystal pillar. The freed Roselle had even pledged to inform the other villages in the Wolffort Demense of the truth as best they can, and of the impending rebellion.
The Consul, along with Roland and Carth went into the conference room at Whiteholm Castle to discuss the current situation with Benedict, who had written down a few battle strategies and contingencies that they could employ before being called to join them for a meeting. Maxwell had gone to train and provide instruction to the soldiers training under him.
"So, everything went well at the Salt Crystal Mines?" Benedict asked.
"Yes, Benedict" Serenoa nodded"This is Caeden, formerly of Aesfrost and Carth, Captain of the guards who were overseeing the mining of the salt crystals. Aesfrost, as it turns out has not re-surged, the former duchy's remnants were merely integrated into the Sect."
Caeden and Carth nodded their greeting at Benedict, the former Aesfrost Soldier took the time to explain"The guards were reluctant to help us out, but they ultimately agreed out of loyalty to Serenoa. Some of them and a few of the prisoners stayed at the mines to help ward off suspicion. Jerome and the other Roselian villagers have gone home for the time being to spread word among the villages in the Wolffort Demense. As for myself, I'm all for our sect joining up with Consul Serenoa and Minister Roland to overthrow the Heirophant's teachings."
"I see" Benedict was pleasantly surprised"I took the liberty of making a list of suggestions for how we could strengthen our defenses in the event of retaliation from Exharme or Kamsell. We had not, fortunately had to use the Wildfire Statues when we fought General Avlora of Aesfrost at Wolffort Village, so we could have a force assigned, there. Whiteholm Castle could also serve as an ideal defense point."
"Considering that Gustadolph's invasion of Glenbrook was only a success because no one in Glenbrook was expecting an invasion, I don't see why we can't use Whiteholm Castle as a stronghold" Caeden said, thoughtfully.
"I am of the same opinion, but if we must use the wildfire traps in Wolffort to put down most of Hyzante's military, then we will do so, except that we may end up burning a couple of houses in the process" said Serenoa"But we can worry about that, later. For now, I'm simply going to set up patrols near the east and southeast borders so that the Hierophant can't catch us unaware."
"A prudent decision, we can simply explain the presence of patrols are a precaution against rebel attacks" Benedict nodded, approvingly"And one more thing, although it is a slim chance that the people will take your word over Frederica's that the teachings of Hyzante are nothing but lies and hypocrisy, even with Orlea's diary should we officially join forces with Frederica's sect, there is one person that they will answer to whose words would hold more weight than one who has had to hide their heritage and noble status."
"Who-?" Roland's eyes widened"Are you referring to me? But, the reason I abdicated rule over Glenbrook was..." He paused, fully realizing for the first time that by handing over Glenbrook to Hyzante, he had run from his responsibilities due to his low self-esteem and lack of confidence in himself.
Serenoa began to think"I don't suppose the Heirophant will permit Roland to take back his crown and resume kingship over Glenbrook if he asked?"
"Judging from the way Hyzante exerts control over those under its rule, I believe that is unlikely, even more so with you and Roland as members of the Saintly Seven." Benedict replied in a serious tone"But aside from Roland and Princess Cordelia, I am sure you remember that there is one more Heir, who the Hierophant has unknowingly put in his rightful place, one who can regain Glenbrook's independence and the people's trust should they learn of the true nature of Hytzante's teachings. I hardly need to remind you of whom I speak of, Lord Serenoa."
Roland, Carth and Caeden's eyes widened in surprised as they began to process what Benedict is implying.
"Are you suggesting that I unveil the truth behind my past? There is no telling how everyone will feel about it, especially since Roland had already abdicated rule over Glenbrook to Hyzante." Serenoa asked, unsure how Roland would probably take it.
"It was merely a suggestion, Lord Serenoa" The Tactician assured him"But it is the surest way to garner support from the citizenry of Whiteholm."
"Serenoa" Roland turned to his friend"Is Benedict suggesting that-?"
"Apologies for the interruption" A Glenbrook guardsman entered the room"But Huguhette has returned. Lady Frederica's whereabouts have been discovered, Anna and Geela are being recalled to the palace."
"Oh, good. Send her in" Serenoa instructed.
The soldier nodded and exited the room. Hughette entered, shortly after"Lord Serenoa, while I have managed to locate Frederica, she has recommended that we see her, tomorrow morning when Lady Alexandra is back from her meeting with the current Lord of the former Telliore Demense."
"We shall do that, then" Serenoa nodded, then asked out of curiosity"I am aware that Lady Alexandra is now in charge of the late Lord Landroi's demense, but is she also a part of the Sect?"
"Lady Alexandra is a major supporter for the Sect's cause" Caeden replied"She had lost her family when they spoke against Hyzante's rule."
"I can see why that would anger her into siding with the Sect" said Roland, thoughtfully"Well, guess we better start making preparations for our trip to the Falkes Demense."
Serenoa nodded"I will personally lead the group going to meet with Frederica."
"I'm going to have to come, I'm overdue to report back to Lady Alexandra and Lady Aesfrost" said Caeden.
"I guess I will come as well" said Roland.
"I shall have Erador, Geela, Hughette and Anna accompany us" Serenoa nodded, approvingly.
At dawn the next day, Serenoa and his small team made ready to set out, Geela and Anna had returned as requested in order to accompany Serenoa to the Falkes Demense. The group marched from Whiteholm and headed southeast. Not too far away, a certain dark-haired young time mage with a tan complexion came near.
"Quahaug" Serenoa greeted"Good day to you, are you to join us?"
"Yes" Quahaug nodded with a resolute look"I heard from Jerrom that we are to break from Hyzante, is this true?" He had spent the last few months in the village where he group up at since Norzelia had been unified under Hyzantian rule.
Serenoa nodded"Yes, and we will put a stop to the salt monopoly. Did your village get his message, then?"
"Yeah, some of the folks didn't quite believe it when we heard that Hyzante's teachings are nothing but lies" Quahaug replied, somberly"But a guy called Carth backed up his story. And I foresaw that our village would be ransacked by Hyzante in retaliation for helping heretics if we weren't prepared, so the villagers are forming a militia. It was still a bit hard for them to believe that the Heirophant was really a lying tyrant, but they agreed to take precautions."
"That was admirable of them" Geela commented"And I assume that you wish to rejoin us as we attempt to overthrow the teachings of the Heirophant?"
"Yes" said Quahaug, determinedly"You'll need my magic and my foresight to get you through this, although I still can't completely control them."
"Welcome back, then, Quahaug" Serenoa said"It grieves me that you must face terrible danger once again, but as of now, any help would be appreciated."
"Are you sure about this? He's just a kid" Caeden asked, he hadn't heard about Quahaug.
"Quahaug has the ability to foresee events that will occur in the future, and he is a capable time mage" supplied Anna.
Caeden was surprised to hear this"Well, when you put it that way, I'm all for it. Still not comfortable with it, though."
"I, too am reluctant to put someone as young as Quahaug in harm's way, but he has proven himself a valuable companion to us all in the last war" said Serenoa"Stay close to us, Quahaug."
The time mage nodded and followed the group. They didn't get far when a familiar voice called"Stop right there."
"I had a feeling that something might be up" Caeden commented as he saw Daren approach, accompanied by a couple mercenaries and a squad of bandits, among them was a certain red-haired archer and an older red-haired man with a club.
"Daren" Serenoa looked at the former Aefrosti Army captain"What is the meaning of this? We are on the way to speak with Lady Frederica and Lady Alexandra."
"Not gonna happen" Daren grinned, smugly"I'll be sure to let the leader know that Hyzante was going to trick her. If I take down one or two of the Saintly Seven, that will demoralize Hyzante."
"A simple plan for simple minds" Geela criticized the former Asfrosti captain.
"And how are Travis and his band with you?" Roland added.
"Because Hyzante cracks down on anybody that don't agree with their so-called teachings, my daughter, Tirish and the rest of my crew and I had to throw in our lot with the Sect, just to have a chance at survival and ensure our continued freedom" Travis replied, gruffly"Besides, Lady Frederica had graciously spared my daughter and I, so we might have a chance to make an honest living when she took that book of hers from us, last year."
"In other words, its because you owed Frederica a debt of gratitude" Serenoa nodded, understandingly"She and Lady Alexandra gave you a chance to atone, then. Why throw that away?"
"Enough of this" Daren interrupted, impatiently"Serenoa Wolffort, for your part in Asefrost's defeat, I shall now avenge Lord Svarog and Archduke Gustadolph, here and now!" He drew a battle axe. The bandits, along with Travis and Trish readied their weapons.
Caeden drew his blade"You're the backstabber, here, Daren. It is time to teach you a lesson."
"Naive fool" Daren glared at Caeden"The Hyzantian are all the same. Treacherous, lying lot."
Roland readied his lance"Let's try not to kill too many of these guys."
"Agreed" Serenoa nodded, drawing his sword.
Three bandits charged at the group, only for Anna and Roland to drive them back. Trish attempted to fire an arrow at Serenoa, only to be met with an arrow from Hughette. Travis angrily charged at the hawk rider, only for Anna to stab at him, driving the former bandit leader back. Roland pitched in with a charging strike, staggering Travis.
Daren lunged at Caeden, who nimbly dodged and slashed horizontally, driving him back. Infuriated, Daren jumped to the side and rushed in with a wild swing, only for Caeden to dodge and counter with a spin attack, just barely nicking Daren.
Trish changed tactics and shot a Quahaug, who merely dodged out of the way and retaliated with elemental magic, blasting Trish and knocking her and several bandits down.
Daren struck again at Caeden, who dodged and cut back, staggering the former captain. Daren angrily swung again, only to be met with a slash to the chest, flooring him. Anna had meanwhile stabbed another bandit with one of her daggers which was laced with a sleeping spell, incapacitating him.
Daren swung downward at Caeden, who narrowly dodged"You should be grateful, boy. I am doing whatever it takes to see Hyzante collapse and have their lies exposed for all to see."
"I get it, you're royally steamed because we lost our homeland" Caeden commented"But I know that Ministers Roland and Serenoa are good people, they really want to help us."
Daren seemed to calm down a bit"You just don't get it, boy." He grunted"Even if that is true, you really think the people are going to let them off the hook so easily if the truth gets out?"
"I am sure that they can regain the people's trust if it comes down to it" Geela stated, calmly.
"At any rate, this fighting has gone on long enough" Roland stated as he disarmed Travis"Everyone, lay down your weapons."
The remaining warriors in Daren's ambush force lay down their arms. Serenoa's group put their weapons away before proceeding to tend to the injured. Trish looked incredulous"Boss" she turned to her father, Travis"What now?"
"Nothing we can do, now" Travel grunted, it is futile to run at this point.
Serenoa walked up to Daren"You have every right to be upset about the loss of your homeland, and while I know that words may seem like empty promises, I am going to help the Roselle and expose the truth regarding Hyzante's lies. If you cannot trust my word as Consul of Glenbrook, then allow me to swear this on my father's grave: I will do everything that I can to help take down the Heirophant."
"But you betrayed the Roselle after you had defended them, right?" Travis asked Serenoa, pointedly.
"That I did, but only because I had no choice after becoming Consul of Glenbrook" Serenoa replied, grimly"The choice I made to hand over the salt crystals to Hyzante as a part of Roland's plan was because it seemed like the best way to bring peace to Glenbrook without prolonging the war for longer than it had to last." He then looked at Daren"If you do not trust me, still, then permit me a chance to prove myself. I am not like Sorsely and the Heirophant."
Daren seemed to take Serenoa's words into consideration as he stood up"Perhaps it was only due to your lack of conviction. I followed Archduke Gustadolph's orders and served him faithfully due to having no other option, or so I felt. Perhaps in this way" he smiled bitterly"We are not so different. I will take responsibility for this debacle, then." He looked at Caeden"Don't let him out of your sight, I want to see for myself whether his conviction holds true or not."
"Guess there is not much choice" remarked Caeden.
"I assure you you will not be disappointment, Captain Daren" Serenoa assured the captain.
Daren grunted"We'll see."
Geela took the time to finish tending to the wounded with multiple cure spells before the group continued on, now accompanied by Daren, Trish, Travis and the men who attacked them.
A couple of guards waited at the base of the hillside the main village of the former Falkes demense was located. One guard addressed them"Lord Wolffort, thank goodness, Lady Alexandra was worried that some of the Sect's hard-liners had done something foolish."
"Its all taken care of" Serenoa assured the guards"I hope we've not kept Frederica waiting."
"Of course not. Please come in" The other guard said"Lady Alexandra and Lady Frederica await you."
The group headed to the manor, where another guard awaited their arrival"Welcome, please come in. Lady Alexandra is waiting for you at the parlor with Lady Frederica."
"Thank you" Serenoa was starting to feel more awkward at the prospect of seeing his former beloved again, but he headed inside, anyway. Daren, Roland, Geela, Caeden and Quahaug headed inside with him while Travis and Trish went to wait for further orders.
On the couch at the parlor, Alexandra had sat until she saw her guests come in and stood up"Welcome, Consul Serenoa, and welcome to you, Minister Roland."
"Its a pleasure to see you again" Serenoa returned the greeting"I apologize if I had kept you waiting, we had a small disagreement with Captain Daren."
"I am not surprised, I am just glad that you made it, safely" Alexandra inclined her head in understanding"While the Sect does abide by a low-violence policy, some of the soldiers and bandits who joined up can be a bit rowdy and overeager to see true freedom and justice returned to Norzelia." She then gestured towards Frederica"The Sect's leader has agreed to speak with you, by the way."
"So, I hear" Serenoa said.
As if on cue, Frederica stood up, facing her former betrothed with a mix of happiness and apprehension. Their parting of ways was amicable, if not strained due to the disregard to the Rosellians' suffering that Roland's plan entailed.
Serenoa, in turn took notice of his former beloved's appearance, the rumor of her present appearance was no exaggeration, with her having no hair but still looking beautiful and himself in the white garbs of a member of the Saintly Seven, it was almost as if they were completely different people than when they had last seen each other.
"Its..." Frederica paused, feeling even more awkward"Well, it is good to see you again, Lord Serenoa."
"It is good to see you in good health, Frederica" Serenoa replied, just as awkwardly. He felt partly to blame for her having to hide her Rosellian heritage"I hear that you've been keeping busy since last year."
"I have" Frederica nodded"Its been difficult. Hardly many people believed me when I started to spread the story of my people, and that of Centralia. It was mostly due to Caeden, Captain Daren and Lady Alexandra's support that I still hope to keep trying to unveil the truth."
"I heard about your struggle" said Serenoa, thoughtfully"It hasn't been going very well, has it?"
"Evidently not" Frederica agreed, somberly"Most of the people I spread the word to ridiculed me and tossed rocks may way."
Geela gave Frederica a small smile"But you have managed to acquire followers, correct? I knew that you would encounter difficulties, and for that, I can but give you my sympathy. Its good to see you again."
"Its good to see you again as well, Geela" Frederica smiled at her mentor"And yes, my Sect was able to attract a variety of people, mostly the youth and impressionable teenagers. There even former bandits and former Aesfrost soldiers who survived the war."
"I also would like to say that I am sorry for what befell Lord Svarog" Serenoa added, sympathetically"He was not in a good state of mind, there was nothing I could do to save him except put him out of his misery. You heard about that, I assume?"
"I was the one who brought Lady Frederica the news" Daren grunted, still not trusting the Consul, very much"Caeden and I were among the few soldiers of Aesfrost left."
Frederica managed to give Serenoa a small smile, despite the reminder of what had happened to Aesfrost and her uncle"I won't deny that the news of my uncle's death hurt me so very much, for it was a tragedy we might have been able to prevent if you hadn't gone with Roland's plan. But I doubt that he or Gustadolph would have willingly surrendered, so I can't really hold it against you." She then looked at Caeden and Daren with a serious expression"Your raid on the Grand Norzelian Mine was successful, then?"
"Yeah, but Daren bailed and tried to kill me, Lord Serenoa and Minister Roland" Caeden replied.
"Since the crime was almost committed in the very demense I am overseeing" Alexandra pitched in"It falls to me to think of a suitable punishment. Even if you succeeded in killing Roland and Serenoa, Daren, you could have brought the wrath of the remaining Saintly Seven upon us and we wouldn't have been prepared to fight."
Daren scowled slightly, but accepted the reprimand, bowing his head"I only did so in an effort to silence the lying tongues of the Seven, and to avenge my country. I have no more words for this."
"There is some good news from the mines, though." Caeden piped up"We rescued the Rosellians who were holed-up in there along with some other dissenters that Hyzante saw fit to throw in there. Consul Serenoa and Minister Roland helped me with that."
Frederica was pleasantly surprised to hear this"So, Jerrom and the villagers from the Roselle village are free, then?"
"They are" Serenoa nodded"But the Rosellians who are still trapped in harsh, living conditions and backbreaking slave labor at the source are another matter. Some of our old companions along with Roland."
"And you wish to help me, correct?" Frederica asked with a small smile"I..." She paused for a moment"It may have been over a year late for you to be doing so, Lord Serenoa. But I am glad that you changed your mind and want to help my people."
"I swear to you, I will right this wrong, no matter what it takes" Serenoa nodded, resolutely"And if I may say so, I like your new look, even though I am partly to blame for it."
Frederica blushed"You need not flatter me. Perhaps I shall feel free to allow my hair to grow back after my people are saved and Hyzante's teachings are overthrown, if its possible."
"Perhaps we should discuss the details as we eat breakfast together, I ordered the cook to put together a lavish breakfast feast for all of us" Alexandra supplied.
"Sounds good to me" Roland nodded.
The group, accompanied by Frederica and Alexandra, went into the dining hall and took seats as they started on a meal of omelets, fruit and bread with wine, along with some mixed juice for Quohaug as a last-minute request, due to the time mage's youth.
"The food here is truly delicious" Serenoa said around a bite of bread.
"I am glad you think so" Alexandra smiled"So, I understand that you are offering your support, Lord Serenoa."
Serenoa nodded"Yes, though I was told that it will be difficult. We may be headed for civil war with the Holy State's Capital. Which is why I am gathering forces to even have a chance against the martial prowess of Minister Exharme and Minister Kamsell. And I know of a way to potentially reveal the truth of Norzelia's past to the people, a suggestion for which Benedict had presented to me."
"Even though I didn't want any senseless bloodshed, Captain Daren and Lady Alexandra shared with me their concerns on the matter" Frederica nodded as she took a bite of an apple, swallowing before saying"You have a plan for how to expose Hyzante's lies, Lord Serenoa?" She asked, curios.
Serenoa nodded, determinedly"There are three things could do to truly achieve that. One is that we can use Lady Orlea's diary to expose the truth to the populace at Whiteholm. We'll could also expose the truth hidden in the Goddess Statue at the Source, and perhaps even send a group to uncover traces of Centralia's existence and bring back proof of it, if its possible. I expect that Roland and I will take a lot of criticism, but if we want to amass a sizeable enough force to stand a chance against the Holy State's Capital, that is our best option."
"Infiltrating the source as of now would be too brazen" Alexandra pointed out"Especially for someone who is presently one of the Seven. We simply do not have the manpower to rescue the Rosellians who are still in the source without losing what little military power we may have to the Heirophant's loyalists."
"That is what I'm afraid of" Roland said"We'll have to stay subtle for now."
"So for now, infiltrating the source is out of the question. I could get arrested on the spot if they suspected anything, and so would Roland" Serenoa nodded in understanding"And we don't know where we would begin looking for traces of Centralia's probable existence."
"The Salt Crystals we might find there may be no different than what we had found in the mines" Frederica stated"So, I suppose that leaves my mother's diary as the only feasible way to bring the truth to the people."
"Which brings me to what Benedict suggested before I left to come meet up with you" Serenoa continued speaking"He claims that that people will listen to me if I were to unveil a certain truth behind my past, which may hold more weight than yours, Frederica."
"Well, either way, we need to get our revolution moving before the Heirophant starts to catch on" said Alexandra, grimly"Our best option for now is to strengthen Glenbrook's military and bolster our ranks, however we can so that we can defend ourselves against an attack from the Holy State Capital. The former Telliore demense still cannot boast in the way of military might, but they have plentiful resources, enough to hire an elite squad of mercenaries if needed. Lord Aden would be willing to help us."
"At least from what I heard, Lord Aden is more reasonable than the late lord Silvio" Serenoa commented"For now, we need to strengthen our defenses in Falkes, Wolffort and Whiteholm."
"As for Captain Daren's punishment, I will leave that to you, Lord Serenoa" Alexandra said.
"Perhaps he and Travis's band could serve as a penal unit and help out in Wolffort" Serenoa suggested.
Daren sputtered indignantly, but calmed himself"Very well."
"There's another thing" Caeden chose this moment to speak up"We'll need time to rebuild the Death Knell so that we can blow a hole in the Goddess Shield, no force of arms is gonna get past that without solid siege weaponry. I happen to know of it because my mom was one of the architects working under Lord Dragan and Lord Svarog."
"The old Aesfrost Capital might still be guarded, even though it was largely damaged, the Death Knell may not be there anymore, and it might take too long to rebuild" Daren pointed out.
"There may be other ways to get around the shield" supplied Roland"No security is really flawless. As Minister of Salt, I periodically visit the source on an inspection visit, if we can pull the wool over the Heirophant long enough, I could open the gates from within and allow a strike force into the city."
"We will cross that bridge when we come to it" Serenoa said"For now, we take things one step at a time. Lady Alexandra, Frederica, I formally request to assist your sect in this endeavor. Even if we must go to war, I promise to be of help in the effort to overthrow Hyzante."
"I humbly accept" Frederica smiled"Thank you, Lord Serenoa."
Alexandra smiled"Then let us toast to a beneficial partnership between us. Together, we will take down the Heirophant in the name of truth and true justice!"
"Yeah!" Everyone else cheered as they took a drink.
"Caeden and I will join you at Whiteholm, Lord Serenoa" Frederica said.
"Thank you" said Serenoa, gratefully.
Finally got this chapter ready, I tried to keep things consistent. I put Travis and Trish in this chapter, largely because their fate is unknown if you don't visit the Roselle village in chapter XV. But it can be assumed that they were arrested and made to atone for their crimes, I can imagine Frederica being kind enough to do that to them.